Books matching: life in zimbabwe
7 result(s)
- #1
'An Elegy for Easterly' by Petina Gappah is a collection of short stories that offer a poignant and insightful look into the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans facing the challenges of corruption, poverty, AIDS epidemic, and political oppression under Robert Mugabe's regime. Through a mix of humor, tragedy, and social commentary, Gappah weaves stories that reflect the resilience and endurance of the people in the face of adversity. The writing style is described as minimalist yet powerful, capturing the everyday details of life in Zimbabwe with a touch of satire and wit.
‘He was a fine man, a gallant soldier in the fight for our liberation, a loving husband and father. We condole with his family and his widow, Esther, and urge her to be brave at this time of inconsola... - #2
The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu is a story set in contemporary Zimbabwe, revolving around the lives of Vimbai, the leading stylist at a hairdressing salon in Harare, and Dumi, a talented male hairdresser who becomes the salon's manager. As their relationship evolves from being competitors to relying on each other, the book delves into serious issues faced in Africa, such as corruption, inflation, and the challenges of living under a repressive regime. Through the eyes of Vimbai, the story sheds light on the complexities of daily life in Harare, capturing the atmosphere of the city with a mix of friendliness, violence, innovation, poverty, joy, and despair.
The narrative of The Hairdresser of Harare is told in a casual tone, blending grim realities like sexual harassment, deprivation, and corruption into the story's backdrop while maintaining a sense of authenticity. The book explores themes of class distinctions, homosexuality, and the struggles faced by individuals in a society plagued by corruption and intolerance, offering readers a glimpse into the challenges of living in modern-day Zimbabwe under the shadow of political turmoil and economic hardships.
There was a time when I was reputed to be the best hairdresser in Harare, which meant the best in the whole country. Amai Ndoro was the fussiest customer to ever grace a salon and she would not let an... - #3
'We Need New Names' by NoViolet Bulawayo is a novel that follows the story of Darling, a young girl growing up in a shanty town in Zimbabwe, facing poverty, violence, and political unrest. The first part of the book, set in Zimbabwe, depicts the struggles of Darling and her friends as they navigate the harsh realities of their environment, including hunger, disease, and social injustice. The writing style captures the innocence and resilience of childhood amidst a backdrop of trauma and adversity. The second part of the book shifts to Darling's experiences as an immigrant in the United States, highlighting the challenges of adaptation, identity, and belonging.
The narrative skillfully explores themes of poverty, immigration, cultural displacement, and the search for home through the eyes of a compelling protagonist. The story delves into the complexities of Darling's journey from Zimbabwe to America, showcasing the contrast between her past and present, and the impact of societal forces on her personal growth and understanding of the world around her.
We are on our way to Budapest: Bastard and Chipo and Godknows and Sbho and Stina and me. We are going even though we are not allowed to cross Mzilikazi Road, even though Bastard is supposed to be watc... - #4
'The Book of Memory' by Petina Gappah is a novel that follows the life of Memory, an albino black woman imprisoned in Zimbabwe for the murder of her white adoptive father, Lloyd. The story is narrated by Memory herself as she writes down her life story for her lawyer and an American journalist, revealing her troubled childhood, her time with Lloyd, and her experiences in prison. The narrative shifts between Memory's past and present, exploring themes of family, race, memory, and the complexities of life in Zimbabwe.
The story that you have asked me to tell you does not begin with the pitiful ugliness of Lloyd’s death. It begins on a long-ago day in August when the sun seared my blistered face and I was nine years... - #5
House of Stone by Novuyo Rosa Tshuma is a gripping and powerful novel that delves into the complexities of life in Zimbabwe, particularly focusing on the post-independence era and the atrocities of Gukurahundi. The story follows Zamani, a character who symbolizes the struggles and dark history of Zimbabwe, as he navigates his connections with a surrogate family and attempts to rewrite his own painful past. Tshuma's writing style is described as lyrical, historical, and meandering, gradually revealing layers of the characters and the country's tumultuous hi story.
- #6
'This Mournable Body' by Tsitsi Dangarembga is a part of the 'Nervous Conditions' series that follows the protagonist Tambudzai's struggles as she navigates through the aftermath of the war for Independence in Zimbabwe. The narrative delves into Tambu's PTSD, her quest for self-preservation, and her challenges in achieving personal advancement in a society filled with political unrest and gender inequalities. The writing style is noted for its unique use of second-person narrative, vivid descriptions of Tambu's mental health issues, and the portrayal of her internal battles and disassociation.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Nervous Conditions ) Zenzele is a story of love and liberation, of identity and struggle, poignantly captured in a series of letters from a mother to her daughter. As Zenzele, a spirited modern girl prepares to leave home for study abroad at Harvard, her more traditional
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